This year, we are excited to launch a program of Community Councils, based on the practice described by Jack Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle in The Way of Council:
Council is a practice of open, heartfelt expression and attentive, empathic listening. It is a great ally in introducing meaningful change in our institutions and family relationships. Council is effective for those who want to move from a hierarchical structure to a partnership model where initiative, responsibility and leadership are shared. Through deepening trust, council supports the clarification of values, co-visioning, and community building.
Through monthly Community Councils, we will strengthen the community voice by empowering individuals to share their experiences and to participate in an ongoing Community dialogue. The Council will focus on issues of Sustainability on a monthly basis. while fostering problem-solving skills and decision making based on common interests. We are curious to see how taking the time to deeply listen and tell our stories in a heartfelt way will affect our relationships to the people and places where we live. We hope this process will inspire action on issues close to the heart.
Council Facilitators
Teya Valentina Chavez (Co-owner, Sol Studios)
Teya is a healing arts teacher, including yoga, dance & movement. She developed The Valentina Method an artistic path of transforming consciousness and fostering authentic purpose. Teya is a skillful group leader and draws from over 20 years of study in Wisdom Teachings, Indigenous Pathways, Yoga & Integrative Medicine. Find out more at solstudiosfairfax.com & www.teyavalentina.com
Rachel McKay (Cultural Liaison, Sustainable Fairfax).
Rachel is trained in the “Way of Council” at the Ojai Foundation, holds a Master’s Degree in Depth Psychology from Sonoma State University with a focus on creative process and ecopsychology. Throughout her life she has participated in and facilitated a variety of groups and brings a deep respect for the transformative power of circles that foster non-judgmental listening and heartfelt storytelling.